Chowing down on Game Day

I'd rather watch the big game from home. Everything about the experience is controlled. I can plan my own tailgating menu. I can pause and rewind to review a play or replay a hilarious commercial.

Most people are like me that way. Last year, 111.3 million people watched the Super Bowl. Of those, more than 65 percent are expected to watch the Super Bowl at home or a friend's house, according Nielsen research released last week.

That said, some people enjoy the buzz of watching sports at bars and restaurants. I came to understand that thrill after catching the final quarter between the Seattle Seahawks and Atlanta Falcons at the ESPN Zone in Anaheim. In that nail biter, Seattle moved ahead only to lose after Atlanta scored a field goal in the final seconds of the NFC divisional playoff game.

It was electrifying to see the action as everyone in the room had their eyes glued to some 30 flatscreen TVs. The roar of the crowd is infectious, which can't be replicated sitting on your Lazy Boy at home. For football die-hards, this is the ultimate way to celebrate the Super Bowl.

So to help you find a place to hang out, here are a few places to consider. Recommendations are based atmosphere, TV technology and food.